Linking the cognitive load induced by route instruction types and building configuration during indoor route guidance, a usability study in VR

Abstract

Every route instruction type (e.g. map, symbol, photo) induces a specific cognitive load. However, when these types are used at different decision points in a building, the building configuration of these points also influences the induced cognitive load. Therefore, the process of route guidance results in an interaction between the instruction type and the decision point, which determines the induced cognitive load. One way of reducing cognitive load during route guidance is by using adaptive systems that show specific route instruction types at specific decision points. Therefore, in this VR experiment, the usability of such an adaptive indoor route guidance system is tested by tracking the wayfinding and gaze behavior of the users. First, the difference in wayfinding and gaze behavior between all route instruction types is compared. Next, the building configuration at the decision points is quantified through the architectural theory of space syntax, and the correlation with the wayfinding and gaze behavior is determined. Our findings indicate that adapting the route instruction type does make a difference for the user.

Keywords:

• Virtual reality
• eye tracking
• indoor route guidance
• space syntax
• route instruction types

Disclosure statement

Herewith we confirm that there are no conflicts of interest.

Data and codes availability statement

The data, codes, and video that support the findings of this study are available at https://doi.org/10.6084/m9.figshare.14413040.v1.

Notes

1 A video of the procedure is available in the online data repository of this research (see section Data and codes availability statement).

Additional information

Funding

This work was supported by the Research Foundation Flanders (FWO) (http://www.fwo.be) under the grant (FWO17/ASP/242).

Notes on contributors

Laure De Cock

Dr. Laure De Cock is a researcher specialized in spatial cognition and human–computer interaction. Her Ph.D. research, which she conducted at the Department of Geography at Ghent University, focused on the combined effect of the indoor environment and route instructions on the cognitive load of the users. She initiated, conducted, analyzed, and finalized this study.

Nico Van de Weghe

Prof. Nico Van de Weghe is a professor in geomatics and cartography and GIS, he supervised Laure during her research.

Kristien Ooms

Dr. Kristien Ooms was a post-doc at the Department of Geography during the Ph.D. research of Laure, she also supervised her.

Ignace Saenen

Ignace Saenen is a part of the IDLab team (imec-UGent) that manages the ASIL lab where this study was conducted. He helped with the technical implementation of the experiment.

Niels Van Kets

Niels Van Kets is a part of the IDLab team (imec-UGent) that manages the ASIL lab where this study was conducted. He helped with the technical implementation of the experiment.

Glenn Van Wallendael

Prof. Glenn Van Wallendael is a part of the IDLab team (imec-UGent) that manages the ASIL lab where this study was conducted.

Peter Lambert

Prof. Peter Lambert is a part of the IDLab team (imec-UGent) that manages the ASIL lab where this study was conducted.

Philippe De Maeyer

Prof. Emeritus Philippe De Maeyer is a professor in geomatics and cartography and GIS, he supervised Laure during her research.